Smile ArtDr. Jaime Lee, DDSCall Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee on (206) 325-7200

Aftercare

Aftercare for Teeth Whitening

After whitening, some patients notice temporary tooth sensitivity or mild gum irritation, which usually fades within a few days. Avoiding strongly colored foods and drinks for the first day or two helps protect your results. Whitening does not change the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings, so they keep their original shade.

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Custom clear whitening trays in a case beside a glass of water

How do you manage sensitivity?

  • Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth before and after whitening.
  • Avoid very cold or hot foods and drinks for a day or two.
  • If you whiten at home, space out treatments or take a short break if sensitivity builds, as Dr. Lee advises.
  • Take pain relief as Dr. Lee recommends if your teeth ache.

What should you avoid after whitening?

For the first day or two, limit coffee, tea, red wine, dark sauces, and other strongly colored foods and drinks. Tobacco stains teeth quickly and is best avoided. When you do have coffee or tea, rinsing with water afterward helps.

How do you keep your results?

Brushing twice a day and regular professional cleanings remove new surface stains. Results fade gradually, especially with coffee, tea, or tobacco, and can be refreshed with touch-up whitening. Dr. Lee can recommend how often to touch up for your teeth.

When should you call the office?

Call the office if sensitivity is severe, lasts more than a few days, or centers on one tooth. Call as well if your gums stay irritated or white patches do not fade.

Frequently asked questions

How long does sensitivity last after whitening?

Sensitivity usually fades within a day to a few days. Lasting sensitivity should be checked.

Will whitening change my crowns or fillings?

No. Whitening only works on natural enamel, so crowns, veneers, and fillings keep their shade.

Are natural whitening methods safe?

The ADA cautions that natural or do-it-yourself methods, such as fruit or vinegar, contain acids that can wear away enamel. Talk with Dr. Lee before trying a whitening method.

Related pages

Sources

This guide follows the American Dental Association's patient guidance. It does not replace the instructions Dr. Lee gives you for your treatment, which come first.

Where is our Seattle dental office?

Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98104

HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm

The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.

Call (206) 325-7200